USDA Deregulates Genetically Engineered Papaya

After a thorough review of scientific information, public comments, and an environmental assessment, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) said that it will deregulate the genetically engineered (GE) papaya designated as event X17-2. The papaya and its progeny can now be moved freely and planted without regulatory oversight by APHIS.

The University of Florida submitted a petition to APHIS to deregulate the GE papaya, which is genetically engineered to be resistant to papaya ringspot virus.